Where is Lavazé Pass?

Where is Lavazé Pass?

Italy, europe

Length

22.7 km

Elevation

1,824 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Ciao, adventurers! Ready for a sweet Italian escape? Let's talk about Passo di Lavazé, a mountain gem chilling at almost 6,000 feet in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region.

Tucked away in Val di Fiemme, in the northern part of Italy, this pass is easily reachable via the fully paved Strada Statale 620 (SS620). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Imagine panoramic views of the Catinaccio and Latemar ranges – pure magic. It’s a haven for summer hikes and a winter wonderland for skiers, especially the cross-country kind. Plus, there's a smaller road nearby that climbs even higher, up to Sela de Culac!

The SS620 winds for about 14 miles from Cavalese to Ponte Nova. Generally, you can access the pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast during winter, as closures can happen. Big rigs, take note: articulated lorries and trucks with trailers aren’t allowed between the pass and Cavalese.

The road is generally in good shape with moderate traffic, but don’t let that fool you—this climb can be a beast, with some sections hitting nearly 15% grade! Even the Giro d’Italia tackled these slopes, so you know it's a leg-burner. Get ready for a scenic and challenging drive!

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
22.7 km
Max Elevation
1,824 m
Difficulty
hard

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